The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows graduated students to work in Canada for up to 3 years. The duration of the WP depends on the duration of the studies. To be eligible you must:
A PGWP is an open work permit, meaning that it’s not connected to a specific employer. Therefore, you can request a PGWP before you are offered a job.
Application processing fees are $155. An additional $100 is charged as an open work permit holder fee. An additional 85$ biometrics fee may apply.
PGWP Processing and Non-compliance with Eligibility ConditionsAttention! The agent who will process your application will closely examine your transcript to see if you have complied with PGWP requirements. Your PGWP application could be refused if you have not complied with any of the above-mentionned conditions. If it is obvious from your transcript that you do not meet some of the requirements, make sure to provide a letter of explanation (dated and signed) and give proofs, such as a copy of a plane ticket if you were not registered for a term and had left Canada. Also provide proofs and explanations if you were granted a leave of less than 150 days by the school. In all these cases, the agent will decide based on the information provided whether he issues the PGWP or not.
If you are not eligible to a PGWP, you might meet requirements for other types of work permit. Take note that our service does not provide counselling on work permits that are not directly related to the study permit.
Permit ValidityStudents who completed a study program lasting 2 or more years (i.e., a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD program) are eligible for a PGWP valid for 3 years.
Students who completed a study program lasting less than 2 years (i.e., a DESS or certificate program) are eligible for a PGWP valid for a period no longer than the study program.
Immigration agents generally take into consideration the length of the study program stipulated in your admission letter (= anticipated duration). If you would like the actual duration of your program to be taken into account, you must supply documents proving how long your program lasted (e.g., complete transcripts).
If you completed two study programs taken successively, you may be able to obtain a PGWP valid for a period equivalent to their combined durations, for a maximum of 3 years.
Processing TimesProcessing times are posted on the IRCC website. They vary on a regular basis and different processing times may apply according to where the application is being processed.
Keep in mind that the times posted on the IRCC website do not include mailing of the permit, for those applying from inside Canada. You should add an extra week to receive your permit, once it is approved.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PGWP?In order to apply for a PGWP, you will need to request online or request in person at the Registrar's Office the following two documents: a certificate of end of studies (attestation de fin d'études) and a final transcript. Both documents will be available once your online student file shows that Polytechnique recommanded your diploma (diplôme recommandé).
***Important update regarding the video clip*** As of June 21, 2024, it is no longer possible to apply for a PGWP at a land or air border.
Applying from inside CanadaTo apply from within Canada, you must hold valid temporary resident status and apply within 180 days of the availability of documents attesting to the completion of your studies.
You must apply online for a PGWP, as mail-in applications are now accepted only in rare cases.
Please note that your study permit expires on the date indicated on the document or 90 days after completion of your program, whichever comes first.
If your study permit covers the full duration of your last term of enrolment in your program, but expires before the school can confirm the end of your studies, you must complete an application to change the conditions of your stay to visitor status before your student status expires, in order to maintain valid temporary resident status in Canada. Accompany your application with a letter (dated and signed) explaining that you wish to extend your stay as a visitor, as you are waiting for the school to notify you of your graduation before submitting an application for PGWP.
Applying from outside CanadaIf you're abroad, you will have to apply online for a post-graduation work permit. This application will then be processed by a Canadian visa office (CVO). Unlike applicants submitting an application from within Canada, you do not have to meet the condition of holding valid student or visitor status at the time of applying for a PGWP, but you are still required to apply within 180 days of the date of confirmation of completion of studies by Polytechnique.
Note that if you have not provided your biometrics to IRCC within the last 10 years, you will need to go to a Visa Application Center to do so. Biometrics fees of 85$ will be added to the processing fees and to the open work permit fees (see section on biometrics below).
Once the application has been accepted, the CVO will issue a letter of introduction for the PGWP and a temporary resident visa or, if needed, an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Your PGWP will be issued by a Canadian border service agent upon your arrival in Canada. Note that this agent will take the final decision in regards to your eligibility to remain as a worker in Canada. We thus invite you to have with you a copy of the forms and of your supporting documents used in your application, including proofs of your financial capacity, especially if you have yet to find employment.
Applying at a Canadian Port of EntryAs of June 21, 2024, it is no longer possible to apply for a PGWP at a Canadian port of entry, whether by land or air. You can no longer apply at the U.S.-Canada border (commonly known as "flagpoling""). You must apply online, by following the instructions given above for applicants in Canada or abroad.
Transition between studying and obtaining a PGWP Right to work prior to applying for a PGWPStudents who have completed their academic activities and who are admissible to off-campus work can continue working a maximum of 20h/week until they receive a written confirmation of the end of their program, on the condition that their study permit is not expired. Students must stop performing any work authorized under their SP as soon as Polytechnique confirms that their study program has ended.
The reception of a confirmation of end of studies can take several weeks, after having completed the last academic activity. Here's the sequence of events, by program:
If you have a valid student status at the time of submitting your application:
If your study permit expires, while awaiting renewal of your student status at the end of your studies:
If your study permit expires and you have a valid visitor status or are in transition to a visitor status at the time you apply for the PGWP:
Applicants are required to provide their biometrics, unless they have already provided them to IRCC in the last ten years in a prior application (ex: study or work permit, temporary resident visa).
Biometrics consist of a photograph and fingerprints, which are used by the Canadian government to establish a person's identity. If you are required to provide them, the fee is $85 CDN (170$ for a family unit); you will need to take an apointment and present yourself at a Service Canada collection center for in-Canada applications, or go directly at a point of entry, if the application is made on site. If you apply from abroad, you will need to go to an Application Support Center or a Visa Application Center (VAC).
If you have to provide biometrics, you can still complete the online application for your PGWP. To proceed with biometric data collection, IRCC will upload an instruction letter on your MyCIC account once they receive your application. Follow the instructions in the letter. Print a copy of the letter and bring it with you, as well as all required documents when you go to the biometrics data collection centre. Note that processing times posted on the IRCC website do not include the time required to travel to the collection center.
Once collected, biometrics remain valid for ten years.
To learn more on biometrics, visit the IRCC website.
Please note that RAMQ offers medical insurance to cover illness and hospitalization (but not medication) if your work permit says “post-graduation” on it. This is available to anyone, regardless of your country of citizenship. To obtain this coverage, contact RAMQ as soon as you receive your PGWP. For more information on the subject, please contact RAMQ.
Workshops on permanent residence and PGWPThese procedures seem complicated ? Sounds complicated? The Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) organizes online information sessions in French towards the end of the fall and winter terms, covering the permanent residence process and the PGWP. Registration generally opens a few weeks before the sessions. For more information and to register.
